Abstract: A curved human interface device is manufactured by thermoforming a stack. The stack comprises a front substrate formed of a transparent, first thermoplastic material; an OLED display configured to display an image through the front substrate; and a thermomechanical buffer layer formed of a transparent, second thermoplastic material arranged between the front substrate and the OLED display. Heat is applied to the stack for causing a temperature of the front substrate and buffer layer to increase to a respective processing temperature at which the first and second thermoplastic materials become pliable. The stack is thermoformed while the thermoplastic materials are pliable to form the curved human interface device. The second thermoplastic material has a lower stiffness at the respective processing temperature than the first thermoplastic material.

Abstract: Provided is an oriented polymeric sheet comprising a photochromic-dichroic material, wherein the sheet exhibits dichroism in an activated state. Also provided is a multilayer composite comprising at least a support layer; and an oriented thermoplastic polymeric sheet having two opposing surfaces and comprising a photochromic-dichroic material. The sheet exhibits dichroism in an activated state. At least one surface of the sheet is connected to at least a portion of the support layer. The present invention also relates to an optical element comprising the multilayer composite. Related methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional optical sensor, having at least 2 areas which independently react to different input parameters, the sensor comprising a substrate and a polymeric layer comprising polymerized liquid crystal monomers having an ordered morphology, wherein the color, the reflectivity or the birefringence of the sensor changes due to a change of the morphology, wherein said change of the morphology is caused by physical contact with a chemical agent such as a gas or liquid a change of temperature, or passage of time. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the sensor and for the use of a film comprising a single substrate, a layer having a cholesteric liquid crystalline structure for application in labels for packaging of perishable goods, food, fine chemicals, bio-medical materials.